Country music star Carrie Underwood has spoken up about her support of same-sex marriage in a recent interview.

As June marks Gay Pride month, several celebrities are voicing their beliefs. Traditionally conservative, Underwood surprised many with her support for same-sex unions. The singer explained that her standpoint on the controversial issue came about following her own marriage.

"As a married person myself, I don't know what it's like to be told I can't marry somebody I love, and want to marry," the 28-year-old Oklahoma native told The Independent. "I can't imagine how that must feel. I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love."

Underwood emphasized that her church's belief in gay marriage influenced her significantly.

"Our church is gay friendly," the 2005 "American Idol" winner said, revealing that hers is one of many churches that adopt the divisive stance.

Although she was raised in a Baptist church, Underwood and her husband, hockey player Mike Fisher, attend a nondenominational congregation that has an unconventional understanding of God's word. She feels that the most important tenet of Christianity is love.

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